Oh my darlings, it's your favourite pink tutu-clad queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and let me tell you, this week has been utterly fabulous. I'm just back from a whirlwind trip to Crosby, a lovely little seaside town in, well, somewhere on the North West coast of England (don't worry my dears, I always get my directions mixed up). It felt like stepping straight into a seaside postcard! You know, with the kind of quaint shops that have salt air still clinging to the window panes, those old, cobbled streets you can hear your heels click-clacking down and… well… actual sea. Honestly, who knew places like this existed? I was positively smitten.
As always, you know your beloved Queen has to be dressed to the nines for any kind of travel, especially with a seaside trip looming. Pink, obviously. But, with a twist! Imagine a blush pink tutu, perfectly twirled and swishing with every step. Then, picture a sparkling silk camisole (don't tell my mum but it's probably the 12th time I've washed this particular sparkly number, they just disappear in the laundry). A dash of the cutest pink fedora, pink glitter, naturally, adorning the band and... voila! A travel-ready Pink Tutu Sparkles!
The journey itself was pure enchantment. I simply adore travelling by train! It's the only form of transport that lets you actually look out the window, admire the countryside, and… perhaps sip on a cheeky glass of prosecco! This time, the journey had its own kind of sparkle, a special kind. Why? Because I bumped into the sweetest elderly gentleman, let’s call him Bob (the name pops into my head immediately), and the conversation flowed like a river. He, bless his cotton socks, had never seen a pink tutu in his life. "That's no tutu, darling!" he chuckled, "That's a fabulous fashion statement! Makes my old lady's pink cardigan look like a bit of an afterthought!"
We laughed like old friends, exchanged tales of the times, and he even gifted me with his favourite pink handmade bow tie, an heirloom from the late 1940s! Honestly! Talk about fabulous.
My dear, Crosby totally lived up to my expectations! It wasn't just a pretty place; it had sparkle. Now, I'm sure you've heard of Antony Gormley's Another Place statues on the beach, a collection of 100 iron figures gazing out to sea… let's just say, they were absolutely breathtaking. Especially against the setting sun!
And, you just know your Tutu Queen had to snag a photo or two, didn't you? Posing amongst those statues was like a ballet, I think, with those statues being my audience. Oh, and a sneaky shot with that pink bow tie – you see? It matched my tutu perfectly.
After the breathtaking sculptures, my feet carried me straight towards real ballet… and of course, I was completely enthralled. A lovely theatre in the town's centre was hosting a special ballet production: a reimagining of 'Swan Lake', with the added sprinkle of sparkly tutus. Naturally, I had to catch it!
I'm going to be honest with you; it was absolutely breathtaking. The dancing was divine. They made it new while holding on to all the traditions and emotions, and with more pink than a sunset, oh the sparkly wonder of it all!
But, my loves, the real gem was after the performance! Because as I was 'fluttering' my way out, (and yes, the bow tie stayed in place, amazing!) a lovely young dancer was staring wide-eyed at me. I knew what was going to happen next… a mustard-coloured ballerina approached me and told me she'd been watching me. Turns out, her whole family were 'sparkled-up', as well, for the show! She said I'd inspired her to make the 'tutu leap', a special little performance piece she's planning. My heart nearly melted right there. I felt exactly the kind of thrill that fills my heart when I wear my pink tutus - a joy, a lightness! The idea that a young dancer would get inspired by me… divine.
This darling even asked for a quick snap together - the two of us looking like perfect little twirling ballerinas in our sparkling finery! Don't you just adore it?
You can find it on www.pink-tutu.com, and I'll bet you it's been already tagged #TutuQueen, as per usual! I mean, that's how we do it here, right?
As the night settled in, and I bid Crosby farewell, I felt the urge to simply embrace that magical feeling – the joy, the wonder, the 'anything-is-possible' spirit I’d experienced. You know what I did?
Well, I stood under the beautiful night sky, took a deep breath (and my special blend of pink glitter from the Crosby theatre shop went flying off with the wind), and, you guessed it – twirled!
Twirled with joy, twirled to celebrate the amazing weekend. Twirled for myself, for the memories. And twirled to inspire you my loves, to feel the joy of twirling, to embrace sparkle, and to maybe… just maybe, put on a pink tutu of your very own!
Love you all, Pink Tutu Sparkles www.pink-tutu.com
